Broncos' numbers show they're average; record doesn't

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles has been whistled for a team-high seven enforced penalties. (Joe Amon / The Denver Post)

ENGLEWOOD — A by-the-numbers look at the Denver Broncos' 3-6 season so far:

Making/stopping big plays

Any rush of at least 12 yards and any completion of at least 16 yards are considered an "explosive" play.

Offense: The Broncos have 69 explosive plays (44 passes/25 rushes) for an average of 7.7 per game. Their season high was 11 in the home loss to Kansas City and their low was four in the blowout win at Arizona.

The Broncos have scored 22 offensive touchdowns. The average distance of their 12 touchdown passes is 23.4 yards (long of 64 yards by Emmanuel Sanders in Week 7 at Arizona) and the average distance of their 10 rushing touchdowns is 10.2 yards (long of 35 yards by Sanders in Week 3 at Baltimore).

Defense: The Broncos have allowed 66 explosive plays (46 passes/20 rushes) for an average of 7.3 per game. The season high was 11 to the Rams in Week 6 and the fewest was five apiece by Seattle in Week 1 and Houston in Week 9.

The Broncos have allowed 24 offensive touchdowns (16 passes/eight rushes) — an average of 20.8 yards per touchdown pass (long of 76 yards by the Jets' Robby Anderson in Week 5) and 13.5 yards per touchdown rush (long of 77 yards by the Jets' Isaiah Crowell in Week 5).

Missed tackles

Through nine games, we have booked the Broncos with 64 missed tackles (7.1 per game). The fewest were three at Baltimore in Week 3 and the most were 13 against the Rams in Week 6.

Catches of at least 20 yards (30): Sanders 11 and Sutton 10 lead the Broncos.

Pass protection: The Broncos have allowed 26 sacks, 29 quarterback hits and 54 quarterback pressures. The high total of those three was 17 in the loss at the Jets and the low total was eight apiece against Seattle and Oakland. Opponents have rushed five or more players on 107 of 381 Broncos drop-backs (28.1 percent). The high mark was 40 percent at Arizona (10 of 25) and the low mark was 14.6 percent by Seattle (six of 41). Against extra rushers, Keenum is 55-of-93 passing for 700 yards, no touchdowns, three interceptions and seven sacks.

Applying pressure

In nine games, the Broncos have rushed at least five players on 113 of 330 opponent's drop-backs (34.2 percent). The high rate was 45.0 at Kansas City in Week 8 (18 of 40) and the low rate was 21.4 vs. Seattle in Week 1 (nine of 42).

Opposing quarterbacks are 60-of-95 passing for 821 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions and nine sacks.

The Broncos have 26 sacks, 22 quarterback hits and 43 quarterback pressures (93 total). Their most was 19 (one sack/eight hits/10 pressures) in the Week 4 loss to Kansas City and their fewest was three in the Week 2 win vs. Oakland (one sack/two pressures).

Flags flying

Entering Week 10, the Broncos' 64 accepted penalties were sixth-most in the NFL and their 529 penalty yards were eighth-most.

The Broncos have two double-digit penalty games (13 at Baltimore and 10 at Kansas City) and one game of 100-plus yards (120 against the Ravens).

Left tackle Garett Bolles leads the Broncos with seven enforced penalties. Next with four apiece are Sutton, right guard Connor McGovern and nose tackle Domata Peko. The Broncos' most common penalty is offensive holding (19); defensive offside is next at seven.

Turnover story

The Broncos are even in turnover ratio (12 giveaways and takeaways apiece), which puts them tied with New Orleans for 16th entering Week 10. The Broncos have scored 41 points off their takeaways, including interception touchdowns by Davis and Harris at Arizona. They have allowed 27 points off their giveaways.

The defense has three multi-takeaway games (three vs. Seattle, two at the Jets and five at Arizona) and the offense has at least one giveaway in all nine games but only two multi-giveaway games (three vs. Seattle and two at Kansas City).

In the red zone

The Broncos offense has 14 touchdowns in 26 red zone trips, a 53.8 percent rate that is tied for 19th with Green Bay. They have scored on all but five red zone trips — Keenum interceptions against Oakland, Baltimore and the Jets and failed fourth down plays against the Ravens and Jets.

Opposing offenses are 17 of 29 in the red zone for a touchdown rate of 58.6 that is tied for 15th with New England. Opponents have failed to score on three red zone trips — missed field goals by the Jets and Rams and a failed fourth down by Houston.

Third down

Offense: The Broncos are 25th in conversion rate (35.3 — 41 of 116). They are 18 of 30 when needing three or fewer yards, 12 of 39 when needing 4-7 yards and 11 of 47 when needing eight or more yards.

Defense: The Broncos are 12th on third down defense (37.5 — 45 of 120). Opponents are 20 of 39 (1-3 yards to go), 10 of 28 (4-7 yards to go) and 15 of 52 (eight or more yards to go).

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